Norristown police officer charged after naked man hit with patrol vehicle

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Prosecutors in Montgomery County have charged a Norristown police sergeant after an investigation concluded he used excessive force during an encounter with a naked man in the street last week.

Daniel DeOrzio, a 52-year-old veteran officer, was arraigned on multiple charges Tuesday, including aggravated assault and official oppression, according to prosecutors.

The charges stem from an incident on the morning of Feb. 4 in Norristown.

Police were called just after 8 a.m. to the intersection of West Airy and Stanbridge streets for reports of a naked man screaming and damaging cars. The man was later identified as Justin Rich.

According to investigators, Sergeant DeOrzio used his police SUV to strike Rich, who was standing in the roadway. Video of the incident shows a silver truck moving out of the way before DeOrzio's vehicle rams into the man, sending him airborne.

In the criminal complaint, investigators wrote: "This was not a bump or a tap. It was a strike hard enough to send Rich into the air and several feet away."

The complaint also states, "Sergeant DeOrzio's actions were intentional and completely contradict any accepted guidelines on the appropriate use of force."

RELATED: Officer on leave after video shows naked man being hit by police vehicle

An investigation led by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau concluded the actions amounted to an unjustifiable use of deadly force.

Prosecutors said DeOrzio violated use-of-force policies that require officers to use the minimum amount of force necessary.

Investigators said officers are trained to begin with verbal commands before escalating, but none were made in this case.

They said Rich was unarmed and standing with his hands on his hips when he was hit.

RELATED: Community demands answers after Norristown officer strikes man with patrol vehicle

In addition to aggravated assault and official oppression, DeOrzio is also charged with simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

Prosecutors said DeOrzio has since resigned from the Norristown Police Department.

Bond was set at $100,000 unsecured, and DeOrzio was released. Rich was released from the hospital on Friday.

In a statement, the municipality said it takes the allegations seriously and remains committed to accountability and maintaining the trust of the community.